I am rod shaped, Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile bacterium. I do not produce spores and divide after every 15-20 hrs. This is an extremely slow growth rate as compared to other bacteria.
I am resistant to weak disinfectants and can survive in dry state for weeks. My unusual cell wall is rich in Mycolic acid that resists desiccation and therefore is a key virulence factor. Stains such as Ziel-Neelsen or Auramine are used to identify me under the microscope.
Humans are my only known reservoirs. A common misconception is that I can be spread by shaking hands, contacting toilet seats, sharing food, drinks or toothbrush, or kissing. However, I actually spread through air droplets by coughing, sneezing, or speaking. I am the causative agent of tuberculosis.
Infection caused by me often requires multidrug treatments. The drug regimens are: Isoniazid, Rifampin, pyrazinamide, and either Ethambutol or Streptomycin. I become epidemic because of my special ability to resist drug treatments.
Distinctive waxy cell wall, comprised of mycolic acid, provides a robust resistance to chemical disinfectants and sanitizers. Thus, I serve as a benchmark for studying the sterilant activity of chemicals.